Thursday August 28th 2025
Arniston House, one of the many venues taking part in this years Doors Open Days
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
This year’s Doors Open Day will see 16 Midlothian venues taking part, opening their doors to the public in Scotland’s largest free festival.
Celebrating ‘places and stories, new and old’, the festival returns for its 35th year with organisations and volunteers offering free access to sites and events across the country
Alongside the rest of Scotland, Midlothian organisations are opening their doors, allowing locals and visitors to see inside some of the most iconic and unusual buildings and organisations in the area.
Taking place on the 13th of September, 16 venues are taking part across the county. These include Arniston House, Dalkeith Community Fire Station, Dalkeith museum, Thistle Modelmakers, and many more unique venues.
Director of Scottish Civic Trust and Doors Open Days national coordinator, Joe Traynor, explained: “Doors Open Days offers visitors the opportunity to play ‘tourist’ in their own town for free, as they uncover new experiences and revisit old favourites right on their doorstep.”
“This year, we hope our visitors take this opportunity to make new memories wth their friends and families, while they celebrate the stories that have shaped Scotlnd.”
Throughout the festival, participating venues will host guided tours, exhibitions, and interactive activities designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages. Many locations will also feature special events, including talks and performances by local artists and historians, providing a platform to celebrate the creativity and talent within Scottish communities.
Coordinated by the Scottish Civic Trust, this event is part of European Heritage Days, a pan-European initiative that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Europe. While other countries also participate, Scotland’s Doors Open Days has a distinct charm that reflects the country’s deep historical roots and its forward-thinking innovation.
Doors Open Days is more than just an event, it’s an invitation to step into the stories, spaces, and heritage that shape this country. Whether you’re a resident here in Scotland or a visitor eager to delve deeper into the nation’s history, Doors Open Days offers a unique chance to connect with Scotland in a way that’s both educational and inspiring. So, this September, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity, open a few doors, and see where the journey takes you.
Click here to see the full lists of the Midlothian venues.
Tweet Share on Facebook
